This song was recorded on April 26, 1940 near the end of the Great Depression after a severe drought had ravaged the artist’s homeland in America’s heartland. The lyrics were not meant to elicit pity but rather to be a rallying call and remind us that, despite the dire circumstances, this world is such a great and funny place to be.

While we’re nowhere near the 25% unemployment rates of the peak depression years or, even the 15% rates of 1940 when this song was written, we’re still seeing recession numbers that are hovering at 8.2% as of March of this year. New home prices are finding it hard to compete with fire sale prices on existing inventory. And, unfortunately, many people are still being “driven from their doors” due to mortgage defaults and bank foreclosures.

So what does all of mean for homebuilders and our struggling industry? U.S. Housing & Ur-ban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan concedes that “there is no silver bullet to cure the housing market’s woes”. The negative ef-fects of the depression lasted more than ten years. Our current recession officially began in December of 2007 and is still going strong four years later. The end will come but it will be gradual and sneak up on us like a thief in the night.

Economist and CEO of Metrostudy, Mike Cas-tleman, sees a change a comin’. His company has tracked data on new home inventories for more than 30 years and he states that he has never seen such low numbers in the 41 cities that they monitor. At normal buying levels those homes would sell out in just 2 ½ months. Castleman believes this recovery will mirror those of the past and bring with it a severe shortage of new houses which, in turn, will in-crease demand and naturally drive up prices.

Coming Soon - Online Renewals ...........................22011 Sales Awards ...............................................2International Builders' Show 2012 .........................3HOME/RWC Employees-of-the-Month ...................3Finding Reliable Builder's Rick Coverage ...............4Thank You .............................................................4Tradeshow Schedule .............................................4Exclusions and Model Homes ...............................5Protect Your Privacy .......................................... 6-7Think Remodeling isn't Worth Your Time? ..............7Creativity and Cost-Saving Measures .....................8Know Your Warranty - Foreclosures .......................8Searching for an Answer? ......................................9What's in it for You? .............................................10Remodeling? We Can Help ..................................11

IN THIS ISSUE

Continued on page 2

I Ain’t Got No Home

You asked for less paperwork and information and we listened. Memberships are now much easi-er to renew. You'll receive a new, shorter version of the renewal ap-plication which will take much less time to complete. Shorter how you ask? No more looking up supplier or bank references, only a handful of questions to answer and fewer membership agreements to read and sign.

Additionally, an “Evergreen” Addendum to the Membership Agreement has been created. This Addendum, once signed and returned, eliminates the need to have new Membership Agree-

HOME Membership? Never Easier!

Rich man took my home and drove me from my doorAnd I ain’t got no home in this world anymore.

Continued on page 2

-Woody Guthrie

Published by HOME of Texas, 5300 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111, (800) 445-8173 www.homeoftexas.com ©2000 Harrisburg, PA All rights reserved.

T E X A S

timesSpring 2012 The Newsletter for Members of HOME of Texas

TEXAS TIMES

Coming Soon - Online Renewals!

HOME, RWC and MHWC wish to congratu-late our 2011 Sales Awards winners! Even though the economy has remained a persistent challenge, our sales team has kept at it. The Ac-count Executives recognized this year for their individual achievements have each logged a multitude of appointments, PR visits, phone calls, mailings, etc., all the day-to-day basics that eventually result in a productive year. Our premier award is for Outstanding Account Executive of the Year and this year’s recipient is Tifanee McCall (pictured) for the second straight year. As any sales-driving organization knows, success of a company is unobtainable without dedicated and hard-work-ing sales people. Our or-ganization is pleased and proud to count these win-ners as our own. Congrat-ulations to Tifanee and to all of our 2011 Award Winners!

2011 Sales AwardsBy Lynn Nelson-Probst, Vice President of Sales

An on-line, completely electronic renewal process is in the works! Soon, we will be sending your renewal electronically through Warranty Express. Up until now, Warranty Express was used primarily for enrolling homes, order-ing supplies and running reports. Warranty Express is being expanded to facilitate membership renewals and, eventually, new member applications. In addition to all the current fea-tures of Warranty Express, you'll be able to complete the new shorter renewal application, at-tach the appropriate documents and return everything to us with-out the necessity of addressing an envelope and paying for postage. A huge cost and time savings!

You asked… we listened!

Outstanding Account Executive of the Year1st Tifanee McCall2nd Jana Watts3rd John Felbaum

Most Apps Rec'd1st Tifanee McCall2nd Jana Watts3rd Linda Hepler

Most Projected Homes1st Tifanee McCall2nd Jana Watts3rd Linda Hepler

Most Warranted Homes1st Linda Hepler2nd Tifanee McCall3rd Jana Watts

ments signed every year. Future agree-ments and accompanying addenda will no longer be necessary unless there are significant changes to these documents or with your membership.

Less paperwork, less time, less postage - a winning combination for you and for us.

Even Karl Case of the Case-Shiller in-dices thinks “housing is looking like the little engine that could”.

And what about all of those people who ain’t got no home? Well they’re currently renters and the renters of today are tomor-row’s buyers. Rising rents and the new affordability in the housing market will gradually lure them back into homeown-ership. Even though credit may be tighter we’ve really just returned to the standards that were in place before the bubble…before it burst…and that’s a good thing. Now what do you have to do to reap those rewards? Be practical, build smart and remember good things come to those who wait. Enjoy life because this world is such a great and funny place to be. Have a great Spring & Summer!

RWC Membership? Never Easier!

I Ain't Got No HomeContinued from front cover

Continued from front cover

v v v

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IBS was held in Orlando, FL February 8-11, 2012 and attracted over 51,000 at-tendees. It was a different atmosphere than that of several years ago. Instead of the chaotic crowded aisles, there was a moderate stream of foot traffic with a more relaxed atmosphere. As a result, we had more time to spend with build-ers who were genuinely interested in our programs.

We heard from many that they were now remodeling instead of building new homes. It was also the norm to hear them say they have land, but they’re holding off on building new homes right now be-cause they can’t compete with the fore-closures and resale homes currently on the market. It was clear that builders are being creative and finding other ventures to sustain them until the market turns around.

There were pockets throughout the coun-try that indicated they were doing pretty

International Builders' Show 2012By Lynn Nelson-Probst, Vice President of Sales

well which was encouraging. Some build-ers said they think people have finally decided to spend money instead of just looking. One of our builders, Clark Turner Homes in Maryland, said he started a new community in December and already has multiple contracts for it. He was very opti-mistic about this year. Everyone is looking forward to change. Change in the econo-my. Change in attitude.

RWC’s exhibit was the “front man” so to speak in an island booth that also included displays from HOME and MHWC. Over the 4 day period, we gathered 455 leads, most being builders. There was a lot of interest in the Customized State Warranty program and the Remodeling Warranty. We’re extremely hopeful a good majority of these leads will pan out. We’ve been actively pursuing these builders. The next several months will provide us with more insight as to our success.

Next year’s show will be held in January

in Las Vegas. We were informed just be-fore this year’s opening that the hours will be reduced. The 4th day is being eliminat-ed. All exhibitors, including us, agree this was a good idea based on the economy, attendance numbers and the cost involved for the additional day.

HOME/RWC Congratulates Employees-of-the-MonthSEPTEMBER 2011 Linda Treese (Billing Specialist for EAIC/IU’s Accounting Dept.) Linda is responsible for the billing functions of the Insur-ance Group (EAIC/IU). She handles the receivables from our agents as well as individual insureds. She is also responsible for the transactions in our premium finance company and main-tains the regulatory licenses for all of the insurance entities.

OCTOBER 2011 Ann Wiewall (Paralegal for HOME/RWC’s Legal Dept.) Ann is a paralegal with our Legal Department. Her duties include maintaining our companies' corporate books, assisting with liti-gation files by preparing discovery materials and performing other litigation related tasks, researching the financial condition of builders, researching the claim history of homes and devel-

opments, serving as a notary public for the company and as Chairperson of the Company's Wellness Committee, among other important tasks. She is really a Jack (or is it Jill?) of all trades for our Legal Department and the companies.

NOVEMBER 2011 Dawn Knull (Warranty Advisor for HOME/RWC’s War-ranty Resolution Dept.) Dawn processes warranty claims, especially for high profile accounts such as Richmond American/MDC Holdings and D. R. Horton. This involves constant communication and coordination between home-owners, builders, contractors and engineers to reach res-olution. She also compiles data for monthly reporting on recovery and claims aspects on several important builder accounts. Contiuned on page 11

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As with HOME, customer satisfaction is a staple of The RWC Advantage’s core business principles and our goal is to provide personable, knowledgeable service geared towards the rapid resolution of your business insurance needs. Each builder, regardless of size, is treated with the same understanding, courtesy and urgency.

Call us at 866-454-2155 for your next Builder’s Risk Policy need. The only thing you have to lose is the frustration of waiting on that certificate somewhere else.

The recent housing downturn has been challenging enough for residential homebuilders. The last thing they want is a problem with financing of a Construc-tion Loan due to the lack of a Builder’s Risk certificate at the last minute before a closing. At that moment, the only thing on the mind of builders is “How can we obtain a top-notch, competitive Builders Risk certificate as quickly as possible?”

For HOME of Texas builder members, the solution is only moments away.

Finding Reliable Builder's Risk Coverage in a HurryBy Tony DeJesus, Integrity Underwriters

The RWC Advantage*, the insurance program manager for HOME of Texas, stands ready to respond to each request for a Builder’s Risk certificate with an efficiency that has aided many HOME of Texas builder members for years. What are those efficiencies?

*Administered by Integrity Underwriters

• Streamlined Application Process: being a part of the warranty program, The RWC Advantage has access to all of the information required to obtain a Builder’s Risk policy and can shorten the underwriting process substantially. In many cases, the pro-cess can be completed within a ten or fifteen minute phone call.

• Quality Coverage: policies are written through Zurich Insurance Company, A+ rated by A.M. Best and one of the leading providers of Builder’s Risk insurance in the world.

• Good Rates: as a leader in this field, you can be assured of receiving competitive pricing that has been accepted by Zurich’s thousands of policy holders.

• Peace of Mind: with coverage commencing on most policies when you break ground, the arrival of valuable building material will be covered immediately.

4

“ ”Dear Warranty Company,Thanks so much for the streamlined renewal process. I had actually considered not renewing the warranty because of the seemingly endless renewal process.- HOME/RWC Member

Ms. Harrell,Mr. Steve Bache completed a home inspection at my residentce yesterday as scheduled. He was prompt, courteous, and thorough. I appreciate your help in get-ting this stage of determining the extent of damage to my home.- Homeowner

Thank YouThe following statements were sent to HOME/RWC from satisfied customers.

Sunbelt Builder's Show:September 13-16, 2012, Austin TX

International Builders' Show:January 22-24, 2013, Las Vegas, NV

Visit HOME at the following

Tradeshows

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TEXAS TIMES

An issue that HOME runs into from time to time is the difficulty of confirming if an item of the home was furnished by the Builder or by the Homeowner. This cir-cumstance can over-shadow reaching a resolution to the Homeowner’s request for warranty performance. It’s important that an item of the home covered under HOME’s warranty be properly

excluded if the item was not furnished by the Builder. For example, if the sales contract does not include the Builder per-forming the final grading (grading and drainage), it’s important this is properly noted in conjunction with enrolling the home for warranty coverage.

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Exclusions and Model HomesBy Diane Naguski, Warranty Resolution Manager

This not only is important during Years 1 and 2 of coverage but can also be very important during Years 3-10 of structural coverage. The grading and drainage is a good example. The warranty is automati-cally transferrable to a subsequent Pur-chaser. The first Homeowner contracted separately from the Builder for the final grading. The second Homeowner files a request for warranty performance regard-ing a structural defect to the foundation. The cause is determined to be original improper grading and drainage having a

negative effect on the foundation. In this instance, have the final grading noted on the Application For Warranty Form Ex-clusion line is very important in order to avoid a loss that is not an obligation under the warranty.

If you have any questions regarding how to properly document items not furnished by your company, you may contact the Warranty Resolution Department’s Cus-tomer Service Representative at extension 2133 or 2200.

More so than in the past, Builders are selling their model homes. The HOME Membership agreement states, “A model home must be warranted by the end of the first year of use as a model to qual-ify for a HOME warranty. The warranty will be issued to the Member and the unused portion of the warranty will au-tomatically transfer to the buyer.” There are instances when a Member wishes to provide the Homeowner with the full 10 years of warranty coverage. When this business decision is made it has been assumed by our Members that since the house was sold “as is”, certain items cov-ered under the warranty will no longer be available for coverage. This is an incor-rect assumption. Unless the Homeowner

“Exclusions: Purchaser acknowledges that the listed items, if any, will not be war-ranted by the HOME Warranty since they were not furnished by the Builder, are excluded by contract or are not included in the finals sales price.

Builder: ______Purchaser:______ a. ___________________________________”

The Builder and Homeowner must initial the line with the item noted as being excluded.

EXCLUSIONS

How is this accomplished? On the Application for Warranty Form there is an Exclusions line that reads:

MODEL HOMES - “AS IS” HOME SALE

has agreed in writing that under the “as is” sale, certain items will not be available for warranty coverage the items remain covered and the Builder’s warranty obli-gations remain. If a home is sold “as is” and the Effective Date of Warranty places the home in Years 1 and 2 of coverage, an Addendum is available from HOME to exclude items that are defective from nor-mal wear and tear that should no longer be covered under HOME’s warranty. This Addendum can be executed, signed and provided to HOME along with the signed Application For Warranty Form.

If you wish to receive a copy of the Addendum you may contact Sandra Sweigert at extension 2107.

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1. Find out what is in your credit report. It is available to credit grantors, employers, land-lords and insurers – anyone with a "legitimate business need." The crime of identity theft is rampant. Order your credit report at least once a year. Make sure it is accurate and check for

fraud. Stagger your reports from the three bu-reaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Order

one every four months to enable you to monitor your credit history throughout the year.

In addition to getting a free copy of your credit report, you can also order free annual copies of other "specialty" reports. We advise that you order your insurance claims history report regularly, especially if you are in the market for insurance products. And request your bank account history, especially if you are shopping for a new financial company or have had problems with your checking account.

2. To get your name off mailing lists for pre-approved offers of credit, notify the credit bureaus at the follow-ing number: (888) 5OPTOUT. Your one call is shared with all three. You can also opt out online at www.optoutprescreen.com.

3. Look for ways to "opt out" of mailing lists to re-duce "junk" mail. Many mail order firms, magazines and credit card companies now provide a box to check if you do not want your name, address, and shopping habits sold to or shared with other companies. In general, be aware that when you provide your name, address, phone number and other personal information, your name could end up on mailing lists. The following activities often result in "junk" mail and telemarketing calls:

• Filling out warranty and product reg-istration cards. Give only your name, address and information about the product you purchased. Leave the rest blank.

• Joining or donating money to clubs, organizations, charities. Tell them in writing not to sell or exchange your name with other groups.

• Subscribing to magazines, book clubs and music/CD clubs. Tell them not to sell your name.

• Listing your phone number & address in the phone book. Omit your address. Or be unlisted.

4. Avoid entering sweepstakes and other contests if you want to stay off mailing and telemarketing lists aimed at "opportu-nity seekers," of-ten called "sucker lists." The purpose of contests is to compile names and addresses that can be sold to mar-keters for other solicitations, such

as fundraising or catalog offers. Some contests and special offers are scams, especially those that ask you for money up front or which offer get-rich-quick schemes.

5. When using the Internet, do not send sensitive personal information (phone

6

Protecting your privacy these days is practically a full time job. Sites like privacyrights.org can be very helpful with tips and contact information to keep your private information safe. Just a few tips are listed below but check out their site for even

more ways to keep your identity protected.

Protect your

www.privacyrights.org

TEXAS TIMES

7

number, password, address, credit card number, SSN) by chat lines, e-mail, in-stant messages, forum postings, or in your online profile. Assume your messages are not private unless encrypted.

6. Wipe your computer’s hard drive be-fore you donate, sell, or trash it. To be sure no trace of your personal and busi-ness data remains, the hard drive must be either physically destroyed or scrubbed by a utilities program designed for this purpose. Hitting the delete button is not enough as anyone with minimum skills can easily retrieve the data. Utilities pro-grams for wiping hard drives are readily available both for purchase and as free downloads. The method you use to wipe your hard drive depends on whether you intend the hard drive to be reused. But no matter what your intent is, the hard drive should be completely clean before it leaves your hands.

7. Be very protective of your Social Se-curity number (SSN). Only provide it when you know it is required (tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions). If your SSN is requested by a government agency, look

for the Privacy Act notice. This tells you if your SSN is required, what will be done with it, and what happens if you refuse to provide it.

Do not have your SSN printed on your checks. It is too easily available to per-sons who may want to fraudulently gain access to your bank and credit card ac-counts. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet, except on those days when you need to show it to authorities or to your employer.

8. Be aware of information-gathering at the checkstand. California law and

laws in some other states limit what can be requested when you pay by check and credit card. In California, merchants can-not write your credit card number on your check. When you pay by credit card, mer-chants cannot record personal information

like address and phone number, unless the information is needed for situations like delivering the product to your home.

9. Use your hand to shield your PIN num-ber when you use a bank ATM machine or point of sale terminal at a store, so oth-ers can't see your PIN number. Memorize your PIN number and do not carry it in your wallet. Avoid using common PIN numbers like a Social Security number, birthdate, or family members' names.

Get your name off mailing lists for pre-approved offers of credit at

www.optoutprescreen.com

www.nahb.org

Maybe it’s time to rethink… The forecast is looking good.

Think Remodeling Isn't Worth Your Time?

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the multi-billion dollar remodeling industry is alive and well, especially in some counties. The national average for all counties for total remodeling expenditures is $66 mil-lion with a per/household average at $1907. However, the top counties are showing total expenditures in the billions and per household averages from approximately $3500 to $8500.

HOME offers a flexible remodeling program to round off the job, provide your clients with a much needed level of security and give you an excellent tool in the area of risk management. Call your Account Executive for rates and program details.

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New home buyers will be able to take ad-vantage of emerging market trends that in-corporate creative use of materials, layouts and features that provide maximum utility and beauty while being cost-conscious at the same time. Here are just a few of the new home design trends shared by the in-dustry’s leading home builders and archi-tects at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, FL, this past February:

• Reworked Spaces: New homes are be-ing designed to allow plenty of space for family interaction in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, and to eliminate rooms such as formal dens and home offices that aren’t frequently used. Small spaces de-voted to home management, also known as “pocket offices,” are being included in large pantries or spaces nearby the kitchen or family great room. Window seats and alcoves are being used to provide an area for private time, without taking up a lot of space. A popular and efficient location for

laundry facilities is now added onto the master bedroom’s walk-in closet.

• Expanded Amenities: Multifamily development designs are increasing the number of resident amenities in order to compensate for smaller unit sizes. Gyms and media rooms have been common for years, but facilities such as libraries and business lounges with individual work-spaces are now being offered as well.

• Multigenerational Living: Many fami-lies are all living under one roof due to in-creasing cultural diversity and the state of

the economy during the past few years. New single-family home designs reflect this with “shadow” units that are built alongside a home, or separate living units that access the main floor plan through a door, or homes with at least two master suites—often with one located on the ground floor to be more accessible for elderly occupants.

• More Impact, Less Cost: Rectangu-lar home designs are more cost effec-tive, so new homes no longer have the formerly-popular feature of multiple roof lines or the resulting unnecessary interior volumes they created. But home designs now include innovative modifications that are still visually stimulating, such as using two windows in a corner with mi-tered glass to allow unobstructed views and maximum light to come in. Another example is using a mix of materials in the home’s façade such as metal, wood and stone to give the home a modern look.

Standard Warranty (Form # 8319)II.A. Introduction to the Limited Warranty5. This Limited Warranty is automatically transferred to subsequent Owners

during the ten-year term of this Limited Warranty, except in the case of a foreclosure that voids the warranty as provided in Section II.A.6.*

6. This Limited Warranty becomes void and all obligations on the part of War-rantor cease as of the date an Owner vacates the Home due to foreclosure procedings.*

VI.D. HUD Addendum (Applicable to VA/FHA Financed Homes Only)4. Sections II.A.5 and II.A.6 — Foreclosure does not void the Limited Warranty

for VA/FHA Financed Homes only.

Know Your Warranty - Foreclosures

Creativity and Cost-Savings Measures Reflected in Top New Home Design Trends

www.nahb.org

Foreclosures have certainly been a “hot topic” in the building industry over the last few years. Your warranty addresses foreclosures from a coverage perspective. If you have questions or want more information, contact your Account Executive for details.

Enroll your homes

online and save both

time and money

�

������

Reduce your paperwork and preparation

time for home enrollments

Enroll multiple homes at one time

Immediate enrollment confirmation

Print the warranty book from your own office

Generate FHA confirmation letters online

No deposits

Reduce your postage expense

Questions? Call

1-800-445-8173

Ext. 2107

of Texas

TM

TEXAS TIMES

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Linda Hepler 800-683-6833 linda.hepler@homeoftexas.com

All Manufacturers & MHWC Builder/Dealers Tifanee McCall Nationwide 800-247-1812 x2132 tifanee.mccall@mhwconline.com

Give Us a Call - We'll do Our Best to Help!

Who is My Account Executive?

Questions on the Warranty Program? Call 800-445-8173 or Email Us:

Enrollments (HOME)Rickey, x2188 rickey.shatto@rwcwarranty.com

Building Systems Enrollments Dana, x2212 dana.myers@rwcwarranty.com Remodeling & Garages, Warranty Express Sandra, x2107sandra.sweigert@rwcwarranty.com Membership/Renewal Questions Stacy, x2186stacy.nice@rwcwarranty.com

Membership/New Application Status Donna, x2148donna.foose@rwcwarranty.com

Warranty ResolutionAnn, x2200ann.cooper@rwcwarranty.com

FREE Marketing Materials Jennifer, x2105jennifer.downie@rwcwarranty.com

Logos for Websites Ron, x2169ron.bostdorf@rwcwarranty.com Accounting/InvoicingShirley, x2173shirley.poligone@rwcwarranty.com

Accounting/IncentiveScott, x2102scott.longer@rwcwarranty.com

First and foremost, know that your Account Executive is ready, willing and able to help you with all of your warranty and insurance needs. Contact them directly and let them do the legwork for you.

Searching for an Answer?

Bonds, GL Ins, Bldrs Risk, Contractors Equip. Bohdan, x2190 bohdan.hoh@theparmergroup.com

GL Ins, Bldrs Risk, Contractors Equip.Roberta, x2272 roberta.woodhall@theparmergroup.com

Certificates, Loss RunsElaine, x2108 elaine.bixler@theparmergroup.com

Audits Ron, x2358ron.sweigert@theparmergroup.com

Questions on the RWC Insurance Advantage Pro-gram? Call 866-454-2155 or Email Us:

Questions on RIA Insurance Claims? Call 866-239-2455 or Email Us:

Claims James, x2455james.haley@integrityadministrators.com

Diane, x2238diane.esser@integrityadministrators.com

As an approved Member in any one of HOME’s programs, you are entitled to use a wide array of FREE marketing materials to promote the choice you made in offering an insured war-ranty to your buyers.

So what’s available? In addition to your Ac-count Executive who is ready, willing and able to train your sales staff, you can order FREE marketing materials (listed below) from our home office or online.

You Are Entitled!

ORDER:

Online: Supplies can be ordered online through Warranty Express at www.homeoftexas.com. Call us if you still need a password to login.

By Phone: Call us at 800-445-8173 x2105.

By Mail: Order forms are found in publication HOME 8542 – Marketing Essentials.

Obviously Well-Built Homes Often Sell Themselves. But… Showing Prospective Buyers Exactly What

The Differences Are In Your Homes Certainly Can’t Hurt!

of Texas

TM

• Consumer Brochures • Logo Slicks • Brochure Holders • Rider Signs • Sample Warranties • Lot Signs • Document Folders• Model Home and Sales Office Easels

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Builder’s Warranty & Customer Service are routinely listed as a top factor that drives customer satisfaction. As a HOME Member, you already have access to an excellent tool to improve customer satis-faction and to help drive your sales.

The HOME warranty is designed to re-place warranties that the law can imply in the absence of an express, written warran-ty. An implied warranty is an unspoken, unwritten promise that a product is fit to be sold and used for its intended purpose. An implied warranty does not include specific warranty standards, nor does it provide a clear limit to a builder’s liability.

When you include a written and insured warranty on a new home, you avoid the uncertainty of an implied warranty, to the full extent permitted by law. By providing the HOME written warranty, you take the guesswork out of warranty service. A warranty book is provided to each homebuyer that explains what is warranted and what is not warranted. Included in the HOME warranty is a process for formal binding arbitration to resolve disputes with your home-owners. The HOME dispute resolution system avoids lawsuits and offers sim-plicity and reduced costs. Arbitration through the warranty program allows

for a private, resolution of the home-owner’s dispute.

The HOME 10-Year Limited Warranty provides builders like you with a de-fined limit on your liability and offers your buyers “peace of mind” protec-tion. Are you including the HOME warranty on every new home you sell? If not, you are missing out on a great marketing tool. In today’s market, you need to set yourself apart and turn those “tire kickers” into homebuyers! Your Account Executive will be happy to review the warranty and its advantages with you. Call Us Today!

What's In It For You?

It’s NEVER Been Easier

to Join HOME!

New Home Warranties &

General Liability Insurance

Ask Us About...Our NEW Streamlined Application

Process!

of Texas

TM

• Short One-page Application

• No Homeowner References

• No Supplier References

• No Inspector References

• “Evergreen” Membership Agreement

• Approved In As Little As 1 Business Day

(with receipt of a complete application package)

Call 800-445-8173 or email home@homeoftexas.com

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Have you added remodeling to the list of services you provide in order to keep your employees and/or subcontractors busy, as well as provide your company with more revenue? You’re not alone. Many new homebuilders nationwide have gone back to their roots and be-gun to remodel existing homes in the absence of new home contracts that were their primary source of income.

It makes sense. The housing debacle has opened up many opportunities for builders.The distressed foreclosed properties on the market, or recently purchased, need rehabilitation. Addi-tionally, households are moving less often and therefore are focusing on improvements and energy efficient retrofits that will accommodate them in their homes for longer periods of time.

You know the value of including an HOME of Texas warranty on the new homes you build. Did you know you can have the same added value and benefits on your remodeling jobs?

HOME offers two different types of coverage and terms to builders doing remodeling. We offer a 3 year warranty covering workmanship. This warranty is for those remodeling jobs that require no structural changes or additions to the home. The cost for a 3 year warranty on a $15,000 bathroom remodel, for in-stance, is only $105!

The other remodelers warranty option is for those jobs that do include structural changes to the home. Its term is for 5

years which includes workmanship and materials coverage for the 1st year and 5 years of structural coverage. The cost for a $50,000 addition is only $190!

There’s no additional annual mem-bership fee if you’re already a cur-rent HOME member. What are you waiting for? At these rates, how can you lose by including a HOME re-modelers warranty to your tool belt? Just like on new homes, a HOME in-sured remodelers warranty provides you with an excellent marketing tool when you’re bidding on jobs. This is critically important in our volatile in-dustry. Homeowners know builders who have gone out of business. They want to be assured they’re signing a contract with a reputable and stable remodeler.

For more information on HOME's Re-modeler program, please contact your HOME Account Executive, or call 800-445-8173, ext. 2149 for additional information.

Remodeling? We Can Help!By Lynn Nelson-Probst, Vice President of Sales

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DECEMBER 2011 Joelle Mixell (Clerical Coordinator for HOME/RWC’s En-rollments Dept.) Joelle is one of four operators in our tele-phone pool, answering and directing incoming calls. She also processes enrollment paperwork, scans documents and pro-vides clerical support where needed. She serves as backup for the Receptionist, as well as Mailroom Coordinator.

FEBRUARY 2012 Jonas Diffenbaugh (Systems Administrator for HOME/RWC’s IT Dept.) and Jody Kooiman (Warranty Administra-tor and Arbitration Coordinator for HOME/RWC’s Warranty Resolution Dept.) Jonas is responsible for HOME/RWC’s

and EAIC’s network system, including deployment, config-uration, maintenance, monitoring and purchasing. He also provides user support (Help Desk) as needed.

Jody administers high profile claims, as well as Texas claims that are represented by legal counsel. This involves constant communication and coordination between homeowners, build-ers, contractors and engineers to reach resolution. Jody also handles all arbitration requests, which may be part of a claim’s resolution process, and assists the Fiscal Administrator as needed. She is actively involved in converting Warranty Reso-lution to an electronic filing system. Jody is a proud member of both the Social Committee and Wellness Committee.

Contiuned from page 3

HOME/RWC Congratulates Employees-of-the-Month

5300 Derry StreetHarrisburg, PA 17111

of Texas

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Presort STDUS Postage

PaidHarrisburg, PAPermit #954

12

It takes lots of tools both to complete a

remodeling project and to build a

business. HOME offers you a selection

of great tools to choose from;

including the Remodeler’s Program.

This flexible warranty allows for

customization based on each project

and specific needs of the customer.

•

•

•

•

Provide Security to Your Customers

Economically Priced

Effective Risk Management/Mediation Process

Various Warranty Options Available

Call 1-800-445-8173 x2149 for more information or

visit our website: www.homeoftexas.com

What can the HOME Remodeler’sProgram do for you?

of Texas

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